RI to open embassy in Fiji
RI to open embassy in Fiji
JAKARTA: The government will open an embassy in Suva, Fiji, on
Aug. 21 to increase cooperation with countries in the South and
Southwest Pacific.
"The opening of the embassy shows Indonesia's commitment to
maintaining and intensifying cooperation with countries in the
two regions," foreign affairs ministry spokesman Marty Nata
Legawa said here on Friday.
Marty said the opening of the embassy would also strengthen
Indonesia's position as a dialog partner in the Pacific Island
Forum.
Indonesia's participation in the forum and the opening of the
embassy reflect the increased interaction between Indonesia and
countries in the South and Southwest Pacific, Marty added.
The director general for the Asia-Pacific and Africa at the
foreign affairs ministry, Makarim Wibisono, will preside over the
embassy opening, and lead the Indonesian delegation at the Post-
Forum Dialog Partners Meeting (PIF) from Aug. 13 to Aug. 18.
Indonesia took part for the first time in the PIF last year in
Nauru. -- Antara
Foreign volunteers set up camp in C. Java
JAKARTA: At least twenty volunteers from Japan, Korea, the
United States, France and Indonesia are scheduled to set up a
work camp in Semarang, Central Java, from Aug. 12 to Aug. 24,
2002.
Farid Husni of the Indonesian Family Planning Association said
on Friday the work camp program was aimed at boosting cultural
exchange and friendship, and carrying out community service
projects, Antara reported.
The volunteers will provide medical assistance to residents of
Banyumanik subdistrict, including 500 kindergartners there.
The team also will make visits to a handicapped children's
home and do environmental work, Husni said. -- Antara
Corruption at religious ministry probed
JAKARTA: The Attorney General's Office is investigating the
alleged misuse of Rp 116 billion in state funds by the
Directorate General for Islamic Institutions at the Ministry of
Religious Affairs.
Religious affairs minister Said Agil Husin Al Munawar said on
Friday a report submitted by the ministry's Inspectorate General
alleged that individuals in the Directorate General for Islamic
Institutions misused state funds during the 2000/2001 fiscal
year.
"The findings of the Ministry of Religious Affairs'
Inspectorate General are being followed up, and the Central
Jakarta Prosecutor's Office is looking into the allegation," Said
Agil was quoted by Antara as saying
The minister said he was concerned by the allegation, and
vowed to dismiss individuals proven to have been involved in
corruption, collusion and nepotism. -- Antara
Soeharto's medical tests to be revealed
JAKARTA: The results of former president Soeharto's medical
exam by doctors from state-owned Cipta Mangunkusumo Hospital will
be announced on Monday, after securing the permission of
Soeharto's family.
Attorney General's Office spokesman Barman Zahir said on
Friday his office received the results of the exam several weeks
ago, but could not make them public without first receiving
permission from Soeharto's family.
He did not explain why the Attorney General's Office had to
seek Soeharto's permission to announce the results of the exam.
Asked if Soeharto would again be brought to court, Barman said
it all depended on his health.
Soeharto, who ruled the country for more than three decades,
had been charged with illegally channeling Rp 1.4 trillion in
state funds to seven foundations he chaired. -- Antara